Restaurants in Newton

Lobster; simply say the word and almost immediately sighs of pleasure are audibly heard.  There is something about the sweet meat of this crustacean that makes us all giddy with excitement.  Served whole with a bib and shell crackers in a seaside village, or just the tail accompanying a perfect steak in the finest restaurant, or, perhaps best of all, casually tossed into a toasted hot dog bun for on the go meals- lobster is a much loved protein.  Of course, lobster isn’t an everyday food.  Lobster is a luxury, however, it wasn’t always that way. In the 18th and 19th centuries lobsters were so plentiful in the New England waters that they would wash ashore and form massive piles on the beaches.  They were known as a poor man’s food, they were used as bait, as fertilizer, and routinely served to prisoners.  It wasn’t until the mid 1800’s that people began to see the greatness of the lobster and began eating it as a delicacy.  By World War II, lobster had become a hot commodity and prices skyrocketed. Today, Lobster prices keep its status as a special treat, however there are no shortages of great spots to indulge in a decadent lobster roll around Boston. We make them in both the traditional style (lobster meat tossed with just drawn butter and served warm) and in the state of Maine’s signature style which uses mayonnaise and chilled meat.  Both varieties are plentiful, and luckily Boston knows how to make an appropriate lobster roll - which means each roll is packed to the gills with fresh lobster meat. Kicking off the Maine-style lobster rolls is James Hook and Co., a lobster and seafood shipping company that opened its doors in 1925.  Primarily a lobster distributer, the Hook ships its lobsters all over the US, both in wholesale and to individuals through their online store.  The real treat of the James Hook, however, lies in its walk-in storefront/counter service restaurant.  Sitting right on the Harborwalk, at the gateway to Boston’s newly redeveloped Seaport district, the unassuming structure is easily missed. However those who find it are treated to bowls of fresh chowder, select entrée options, such as lobster mac and cheese, and, above all else, lobster rolls made to order.  There isn’t anything “fancy” about this roll, a simple top opened hot dog roll, toasted or not (customers preference) and then stuffed full of huge hunks of lobster meat dressed lightly with mayonnaise alone. Take it to go, and enjoy on the gorgeous harborwalk, it’s a perfect Boston meal. Further into the Seaport area there sit two more spots to feast on lobster rolls, the newly opened Row 34, and Yankee Lobster which has been in operation both in wholesale and retail since 1950.  Row 34 is owned by the management team behind Island Creek Oyster Bar in Kenmore Square and Lineage in Brookline.  This means that chef Jeremy Sewall has once again reached out to his cousin, the lobster fisherman, to source fresh lobster every day.  They have a few lobster rolls on the menu, and encompass both the traditional and the Maine style, and both come in the standard top split hot dog roll, lightly buttered and grilled to perfection.  Yankee Lobster creates their roll in the Maine style, chilled lobster meat spilling from the bun, dressed with mayonnaise and then enhanced with just a bit of celery and seasoning.  Yankee Lobster is a very low key restaurant, with their wholesale operation in the back, and their location directly on the water in the seaport district.  Eating here is like taking a step back in time when the area was full of seafood processing facilities, and before the fancy new spots moved in.  It’s no frills approach is often referred to as “real Boston”, and is definitely one for the books. The most talked about lobster roll in Boston however is served at a tiny restaurant in the North End known as Neptune Oyster.  The wait for a table can be quite long, however their roll, served in either variety is well worth it.  My preference here is their warm traditional roll.  This decadent feast can only be eaten with a fork and knife as it is far too large to handle otherwise.  My favorite thing to do, wander in here at an off time in the afternoon, dine on an enormous lobster roll with its accompanying French fries and sip a class of something sparkling.  That is a truly perfect meal. While lobsters may not be as readily available as they once were, no matter your preference for lobster rolls, you won’t be disappointed in Boston.  They are made throughout the city, each in their own signature way, and are sure to satisfy!

Chinatown can be a bit intimidating.  The myriad of streets over lapping each other in a haphazard fashion, all lined with bustling restaurants adorned with colorful awnings decorated with their names, menus in the windows listing their fare in both English as well as Chinese, or Cantonese. But how do you tell which is good and which is better passed by?  Even more so, once you’re seated, how do you know what to order? Some spots make it easy on their clientele.  Gourmet Dumpling House is widely regarded as one of the best places in Chinatown, and here I let the name guide me when ordering - their dumplings are out of this world.  They specialize in a variety of types of dumplings, steamed to pan fried, with vegetarian fillings to meat fillings, however, I have to guide you to the Juicy Dumplings.  Often called Soup Dumplings, these little steamed pockets of perfection contain either crab meat and pork or just pork with a healthy addition of broth.  One does need to take some care when eating these treasures, as the broth can make for a messier experience, but the combination of the dumpling with the filling and the soup makes a perfect bite every time. Perhaps you’re more of a Steamed Pork Bun fan?  A sandwich of sorts with a “bun” so pillowy soft that it feels like a cloud encompassing artfully seasoned pork, sometimes accomplanied by veggies or a spicy mayo, and sometimes served clean, as is.  Mei Sum is the go to spot for these, with very honorable mentions at Chau Chow City and China Pearl. Looking for a good first date spot?  Head to The Q Restaurant for their Mongolian Hot Pot.  Hot Pot allows diners to choose their broths, their vegetables, their meats and create their own unique dinners right at their own table.   Differing a bit from the standard fare, Hot Pot is incredibly interactive, fun for a group or to help smooth out any awkward corners in the dating world. Chinatown is a large section in the city and is comprised of much more than just the restaurants listed here.  It’s streets contain many markets, pharmacies and the like all stocked with imported goods from China, each with their own unique feel.  If you are interested in learning more, there are phenomenal tours offered through Boston Food Tours that will guide you through the neighborhood and offer answers to all those questions you have. No matter what you’re looking for, I urge you to get out and explore the great Chinatown, treasures are sure to be found. Hungry for more? Explore all of our Boston restaurant deals.

Whenever I walk through the streets of Boston I always feel as though at any given moment a horse drawn buggy might cross my path, or a colonial woman carrying baskets stuffed with goods from the market my wander into my path.  There is something about Boston that has somehow maintained the incredible history when it was founded and the centuries that have passed since despite its current modern state.  Of course, it helps that we’ve maintained much of our architecture, and even some of our founding businesses right here in the city.  Paul Revere’s home sits as it always has in the North End.  The original State House, now surrounded by the skyscrapers of the financial district, still sits where it always has, in the center of it all, with an eye to the harbor.  Better still, we still have restaurants in business that have long beyond withstood the test of time. Union Oyster House, located just across the street from the Holocaust Memorial in the heart of Faneuil Hall first opened its doors in 1826 and is the oldest continuously open restaurant in the United States.  The building itself was built in the 1600’s before Boston’s landmass was redesigned and the harbor was just outside its door.  It began as a dress goods business, and then reimagined its wares into those lovely shellfish in the 1800’s.  Ever since, residents and visitors alike have flocked to its doors to enjoy its plentiful raw bar, and the rest of their uniquely New England menu.  As a true testament to its prowess, it is a favorite haunt of the Kennedy clan (yes THOSE Kennedy’s) when they happen in from Kennbunkport, and is the post election dinner spot for Secretary of State, Boston native, John Kerry.  Union Oyster House is a true institution in Boston, with its exterior preserved in true colonial spirit and it’s menu offering tastes treasured since that time. A bit more off the beaten path, Amhrein’s has occupied it’s space on West Broadway St in South Boston since 1890. Opened has a “neighborhood spot”  Amhrein’s continues to be a place where neighbors go to enjoy a pint, and generous portions.  Though it’s undergone several renovations over the years, both to it’s interior as well as modernizing it’s menu bringing it’s flavors up to the discerning palates of today, Amhrein’s is still home to the oldest hand carved bar in America (trust me- it’s gorgeous) and Boston’s oldest beer tap- a real claim to fame! No list of historical Boston restaurants would be complete without mentioning the Parker Omni House.  Originally opened in 1855, and then reconstructed throughout the 1920s, the hotel, and self contained restaurant have been an icon to the Boston dining scene.  The restaurant is tributed with first creating that heavenly concoction and the official state dessert of Massachusetts, the Boston Cream Pie, as well as the Parker House Rolls, a buttery way to start off a meal, and also is known for coining the term “scrod”.  The Parker House has definitely made its impression on Boston dining.  However, its not just what they’ve served over the years, it’s who they’ve served.  It’s location close to the old city hall, and the new State House has made it a favorite meeting spot for politicians for centuries, but has also been a favorite spot of such literary masters such as Charles Dickens (who resided within the hotel for two years) as well as such famous names as Longfellow, Emerson and Holmes.  Of course, it was also the site of John F. Kennedy’s Congressional candidacy announcement, and his bachelor party.  This place has some amazing history.  Today, go visit and sit in its gorgeous hallowed rooms and enjoy truly elegant service, delicious rolls and a slice of Boston Cream Pie- or their cocktail of the same name. Boston is ripe with historical gems, spots that have seen wars, hard times and great times.  These are magical places within the city, places where modern fun can be had with a nod to our ancestors.  These are definitely spots to sit back, enjoy a pint and watch the world pass you by. Explore even more Boston restaurants.